U.S. patent number 8,727,131 [Application Number 13/245,132] was granted by the patent office on 2014-05-20 for method and apparatus for sorting particles.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Cytonome/St, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Manish Desphande, John R. Gilbert. Invention is credited to Manish Desphande, John R. Gilbert.
United States Patent |
8,727,131 |
Desphande , et al. |
May 20, 2014 |
Method and apparatus for sorting particles
Abstract
A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a
closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve
for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle
having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles.
The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for
absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may
include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are
combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting
system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially
sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error
rate.
Inventors: |
Desphande; Manish (Canton,
MA), Gilbert; John R. (Brookline, MA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Desphande; Manish
Gilbert; John R. |
Canton
Brookline |
MA
MA |
US
US |
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Assignee: |
Cytonome/St, LLC (Boston,
MA)
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Family
ID: |
29739001 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/245,132 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120012508 A1 |
Jan 19, 2012 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12499254 |
Jul 8, 2009 |
8567608 |
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11101038 |
Apr 6, 2005 |
7569788 |
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10329008 |
Dec 23, 2002 |
6976590 |
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10179488 |
Jun 24, 2002 |
6808075 |
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60411058 |
Sep 16, 2002 |
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60373256 |
Apr 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
209/552;
422/502 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K
99/0019 (20130101); B07C 5/02 (20130101); F16K
99/0046 (20130101); B07C 5/36 (20130101); F16K
99/0048 (20130101); F16K 99/0001 (20130101); B07C
5/34 (20130101); F15C 5/00 (20130101); B01L
3/50273 (20130101); B01L 3/502761 (20130101); G01N
15/14 (20130101); G01N 15/10 (20130101); B01L
3/502715 (20130101); F16K 99/0028 (20130101); B01L
2300/0877 (20130101); B01L 3/5027 (20130101); G01N
2015/149 (20130101); G01N 2015/1477 (20130101); G01N
2015/1075 (20130101); B01L 2200/0652 (20130101); B01L
2300/0816 (20130101); G01N 2015/1497 (20130101); G01N
2015/1081 (20130101); Y10S 209/932 (20130101); B01L
2400/0487 (20130101); Y10S 209/906 (20130101); B01L
2300/0654 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B07C
5/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;209/210,552,644,906,932
;422/502-504 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Jun 2002 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Rodriguez; Joseph C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McCarter & English, LLP Burns;
David R.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/499,254 filed Jul. 8, 2009 which, in turn, is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/101,038, filed Apr. 6, 2005,
which, in turn, is a divisional of Ser. No. 10/329,008, filed Dec.
23, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/411,058, filed Sep. 16, 2002, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/179,488, filed Jun. 24, 2002, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/373,256, filed Apr. 17,
2002, the contents of each application is incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
Claims
Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and
protected by Letters Patent is:
1. A particle processing system comprising: a microfluidic network
including one or more microchannels formed in a substrate; a first
particle processing mechanism associated with a first flow path of
the microfluidic network and adapted for processing or analyzing a
sample having one or more particles suspended in a suspension
medium flowing through the first flow path of the microfluidic
network; and a recirculation channel formed in the substrate and
configured to receive a sorted sample outputted from the first
processing mechanism via an output, the sorted sample including a
portion or component of the analyzed or processed sample, and
introduce the portion or component of the analyzed or processed
sample via an input to the microfluidic network, wherein the
recirculation channel fluidically couples the output from the first
particle processing mechanism to the input to the microfluidic
network.
2. The particle processing system of claim 1, wherein the input to
the microfluidic network is a recirculation input to the first
particle processing mechanism.
3. The particle processing system of claim 1: wherein the input to
the microfluidic network is a recirculation input to a second
particle processing mechanism associated with a second flow path of
the microfluidic network; wherein the second flow path is parallel
to the first flow path; and whereby the first and second particle
processing mechanisms are configured for parallel processing.
4. The particle processing system of claim 1, wherein the portion
or component of the analyzed or processed sample is a portion or
component of the particle suspension medium.
5. The particle processing system of claim 1 further comprising, an
isolating mechanism operatively coupled relative to the output from
the particle processing mechanism adapted for isolating the portion
or component of the analyzed or processed sample from the outputted
sorted sample.
6. The particle processing system of claim 1, wherein the
microfluidic network comprises a plurality of microfluidic
networks.
7. A particle processing method comprising: flowing a sample having
one or more particles suspended in a suspension medium through a
first flow path of a microfluidic network, the microfluidic network
including one or more microchannels formed in a substrate;
processing or analyzing the sample using a first processing
mechanism associated with the first flow path of the microfluidic
network; receiving a sorted sample outputted from the first
processing mechanism via and output, the sorted sample including a
portion or component of the analyzed or processed sample; and
introducing the portion or component of the analyzed or processed
sample via an input to the microfluidic network, wherein the output
from the first particle processing mechanism is fluidically coupled
to the input to the microfluidic network via a recirculation
channel formed in the substrate.
8. The particle processing method of claim 7, wherein the input to
the microfluidic network is a recirculation input to the first
particle processing mechanism.
9. The particle processing method of claim 7: wherein the input to
the microfluidic network is a recirculation input to a second
particle processing mechanism associated with a second flow path of
the microfluidic network; wherein the second flow path is parallel
to the first flow path; and whereby the first and second particle
processing mechanisms are configured for parallel processing.
10. The particle processing method of claim 7, wherein the portion
or component of the analyzed or processed sample is a portion or
component of the particle suspension medium.
11. The particle processing method of claim 7 further comprising,
isolating the portion or component of the analyzed or processed
sample from the outputted sorted sample.
12. The particle processing method of claim 7, wherein the
microfluidic network comprises a plurality of microfluidic
networks.
13. A particle processing method comprising: flowing a sample
having one or more particles suspended in a suspension medium
through a first flow path of a microfluidic network associated with
a particle processing system, the microfluidic network including
one or more microchannels formed in a substrate; performing a
process or analysis on the sample using a first processing
mechanism associated with the first flow path of the microfluidic
network; and repeating the same process or analysis on a portion or
component of a sorted sample outputted from the first processing
mechanism via an output using the same particle processing
system.
14. The particle processing method of claim 13, wherein a second
particle processing mechanism different than the first particle
processing mechanism is used to repeat the same process or analysis
on the portion or component of the outputted sorted sample from the
first processing mechanism.
15. The particle processing method of claim 13, wherein the process
or analysis is a sorting process based on a set of criteria and
wherein the same process or analysis is the same sorting process
based on the same set of criteria.
16. The particle processing method of claim 15, wherein the
repeating the same sort process achieves higher purity in a sorted
sample.
17. The particle processing method of claim 15, wherein the
repeating the same sort process achieves higher yield in a sorted
sample.
18. The particle processing method of claim 15, wherein the
repeating the same process or analysis enables higher throughput of
the sample.
19. The particle processing method of claim 13, wherein the process
or analysis is optically based.
20. The particle processing method of claim 13, wherein the process
or analysis is magnetically based.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the sorting of
particles in a suspension, where the input flow path of a sorting
module can be split into several output channels. More particular,
the invention relates to a particle sorting system in which a
plurality of sorting modules are interconnected as to yield an
increased particle throughput.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the fields of biotechnology, and especially cytology and drug
screening, there is a need for high throughput sorting of
particles. Examples of particles that require sorting are various
types of cells, such as blood platelets, white blood cells,
tumorous cells, embryonic cells and the like. These particles are
especially of interest in the field of cytology. Other particles
are (macro) molecular species such as proteins, enzymes and
poly-nucleotides. This family of particles is of particular
interest in the field of drug screening during the development of
new drugs.
Methods and apparatus for particle sorting are known, and the
majority described in the prior art work in the condition where the
particles are suspended in a liquid flowing through a channel
network having at least a branch point downstream and are operated
according to the detect-decide-deflect principle. The moving
particle is first analyzed for a specific characteristic, such as
optical absorption, fluorescent intensity, size etc. Depending on
the outcome of this detection phase, it is decided how the particle
will be handled further downstream. The outcome of the decision is
then applied to deflect the direction of specific particle towards
a predetermined branch of the channel network.
Of importance is the throughput of the sorting apparatus, i.e. how
many particles can be sorted per unit of time. Typical sorting
rates for sorters employing flows of particle suspension in closed
channels are in the range from a few hundred particles per second
to thousands of particles per second, for a single sorting
unit.
An example of a sorting device is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,175,662, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference (hereinafter referred to as the '662 patent). In the '662
patent, a flow of particles, cells in this case, flows through the
center of a straight channel, which branches into two perpendicular
channels at a branching point downstream (T-branch). The entering
particles are surrounded by a sheath of compatible liquid, keeping
the particles confined to the center of the channel. In normal
conditions, the flow ratio through the two branches is adjusted so
that the particles automatically flow through one of the branches.
In a section of the channel a characteristic of the particles is
determined using a detector, which can be an optical system
(detection phase). The detector generates a signal when the
detector detects a particle possessing a predetermined
characteristic in the decision phase. Once a particle is detected,
a deflector is activated for deflecting the particle in a
deflection phase. In this case, the deflector comprises an
electrode pair, positioned in the branch of the channel where the
particles normally flow through in the inactivated state of the
deflector. By the application of current pulses, the aqueous liquid
is electrolysed, yielding a gas bubble evolving between the
electrode pair. As the gas bubble increases in size, the flow rate
through this branch is reduced during the evolving phase. After the
current pulse is applied, the bubble growth stops and the gas
bubble is carried along with the flow. As a result, the flow
through the specific branch is momentarily reduced and the particle
of interest changes paths and flows down the other branch.
The device of the '662 patent is effective for sorting particles.
However one serious drawback is that gas bubbles are created which
potentially can accumulate at certain points of the fluidic
network. This bubble generation can clog the flow channels,
yielding erroneous sorting. Another drawback is that the generated
gasses (mostly oxygen and hydrogen) and ionic species (mostly
OH.sup.- and H.sup.+) influence the particles flowing through the
branch with the electrode pair. In addition, cells and delicate
proteins such as enzymes are very fragile and can be destroyed by
the fouling constituents co-generated with the gas bubble. Another
drawback is the complexity of the overall sorting apparatus. In
particular, the micro electrode construction is very complex to
mount and assemble in the small channels of the system. As a
result, the cost of a sorting unit is relatively large.
Another example of a particle sorting system of the prior art is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,307, the contents of which are
herein incorporated by reference (hereinafter the '307 patent). In
the '307 patent, the particles are flowing, confined by a flowing
sheath liquid, through the center of a channel. After passing a
detector section, the channel branches into two channels forming an
acute angle therebetween (e.g., Y-branch). Just before the
branching point, an electrically activated transducer is located in
the channel for deflecting a specific particle having an
appropriate, predetermined characteristic. The transducer described
is a piezo actuator or ultrasonic transducer, yielding upon
electrical activation a pressure wave in the channel. The generated
pressure wave momentarily disturbs the flow in one branch thus
deflecting the particle of interest into the other branch.
In the device of the '307 patent, as in the previous discussed
device, the deflector is incorporated within the channel system,
resulting in relatively large construction costs. Another drawback
of this device is the deflector principle used. The generated
pressure waves are not confined to the branching point, but rather
propagate upstream into the detector section, as well as down both
branches. This influences the overall flow through the channel.
This is particularly a drawback if sorters of this type are
connected either in series or in parallel, as is typically done to
construct a high throughput sorting system. Pressure waves
generated in one sorter can then influence the flows and deflection
of particles in neighboring sorter units.
Another sorter is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,427, the
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. This sorter
is analogous to the sorter in the '662 patent. In this case,
however, the flow in one branch is disturbed by momentarily
changing the resistance of the branch. The resistance is changed by
changing the height of the branch channel by an external actuator.
In the preferred embodiment, this external actuator is a piezo disc
glued on top of the channel, causing it to move downwards upon
activation.
Although the construction of the sorter described in the '427
patent is less complex than the previously described sorter
structures, it is still problematic to couple multiple sorter
modules of the described type together to increase the sorting
rate. This is, as in the sorter described in the '307 patent
because of the generated pressure waves causing interference with
other sorter modules.
Another particle sorting device is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,837,200, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference. The '200 patent describes a sorting device that uses a
magnetic deflection module to classify or select particles based on
their magnetic properties. The '200 patent further describes
processing and separating individual particle streams in
parallel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sorting
particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size.
The particle sorting system of the invention provides a sorting
module that can be assembled at low cost while providing an
accurate means of sorting large amounts of particles per unit of
time. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of
closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further
increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise
a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of
particles, in order to decrease the error rate.
The particle sorting system implements an improved fluidic particle
switching method and switching device according to the present
invention. The particle sorting system comprises a closed channel
system of capillary size for sorting particles. The channel system
comprises a first supply duct for introducing a stream of particles
and a second supply duct for supplying a carrier liquid. The first
supply duct forms a nozzle to introduce a stream of particles into
the flow of carrier liquid. The first supply duct and the second
supply duct are in fluid communication with a measurement duct,
which branches into a first branch and a second branch at a branch
point. A measurement region is defined in the measurement duct and
is associated with a detector to sense a predetermined
characteristic of particles in the measurement region. Two opposed
bubble valves are positioned in communication with the measurement
duct and are spaced opposite each other. The bubble valves
communicate with the measurement duct through a pair of opposed
side passages. Liquid is allowed to partly fill these side passages
to form a meniscus therein which interfaces the carrier liquid with
the reservoir of the bubble valves. An external actuator is also
provided for actuating one of the bubble valves. When the external
actuator is activated, the pressure in the reservoir of the
activated bubble valve increases, deflecting the meniscus and
causing a flow disturbance in the measurement duct to deflect the
flow therein.
When a sensor located in the measuring region senses a
predetermined characteristic in a particle flowing through the
measurement region, the sensor produces a signal in response to the
sensed characteristic. The external actuator is responsive to the
sensor to cause a pressure pulse in a compression chamber of a
first bubble valve to deflect the particle with the predetermined
characteristic, causing the selected particle to flow down the
second branch duct.
In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of sorting
particles including the steps of providing a measurement duct
having an inlet and a branching point at which the duct separates
into two branch ducts, and conducting a stream of fluid into the
duct inlet with a stream of particles suspended therein, such that
the particles normally flow through a first one of the branch ducts
and providing upstream from the branching point two opposing side
passages for momentarily deflecting the stream in the duct. A first
one of the side passages is hydraulically connected to a
compression chamber of a first bubble valve, which is acted upon by
an external actuator for varying the pressure therein. A second of
the side passages is hydraulically connected with a buffer chamber
of a second bubble valve for absorbing pressure variations. The
method further comprises providing a measurement station along the
measurement duct upstream of the side passages for sensing a
predetermined characteristic of particles in the stream and for
producing a signal when the predetermined characteristic is sensed.
The method further comprises the step of, in response to sensing
the predetermined characteristic, activating the external actuator
for creating a flow disturbance in the duct between the side
passages, thereby deflecting the particle having the predetermined
characteristics and causing the selected particle to flow down the
second branch duct.
In further aspects of the invention, the particle sort rate is
respectively increased or the type of particles sorted being
increased, by respectively connecting a plurality of sorting
modules in parallel or serially connecting a plurality of sorting
modules in a binary tree like configuration.
According to one aspect of the invention, a particle sorting system
is provided. The particles sorting system comprises a first duct
for conveying a stream of suspended particles confined in a carrier
liquid, comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, a
sensor for sensing a predetermined characteristic in a particle, a
side channel in communication with the first duct, a sealed chamber
positioned adjacent to the side channel, wherein the carrier fluid
forms a meniscus in the side channel to separate the sealed chamber
from the carrier fluid; and an actuator. The actuator modifies the
pressure in the sealed chamber to deflect the meniscus when the
sensor senses the predetermined characteristic. The deflection of
the meniscus causes the particle having the predetermined
characteristic to flow into the second outlet while particles that
do not have the predetermined characteristic flow into the first
outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a particle sorting system according
to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate the operation of the particle sorting
system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates a particle sorting system showing alternate
positions for the actuator chamber and the buffer chamber.
FIG. 6 illustrates the particle sorting system according to another
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a bubble valve suitable for use in the particle
sorting system of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the particle sorting system of an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a particle sorting system for
sorting parallel streams of particles according to the teachings of
the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a particle sorting system
configured in a binary tree-like configuration of sorting modules
according to the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-stage particle
sorting system for sorting parallel streams of particles in
multiple stages.
FIG. 12 illustrates a parallel particle sorting system according to
an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a parallel particle sorting system according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate a particle sorting system according to
another embodiment of the invention, including an optical mask to
allow measurement of a particle size and/or velocity.
FIG. 15 illustrates a parallel sorting system having variable
channels according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates a variable array design of a parallel sorting
system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates a parallel sorting system according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a particle sorting system for
sorting particles suspended in a liquid. The particle sorting
system provides high-throughput, low error sorting of particles
based on a predetermined characteristic. The present invention will
be described below relative to illustrative embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may
be implemented in a number of different applications and
embodiments and is not specifically limited in its application to
the particular embodiments depicted herein.
The terms "duct" "channel" and "flow channel" as used herein refers
to a pathway formed in or through a medium that allows for movement
of fluids, such as liquids and gases. The channel in the
microfluidic system preferably have cross-sectional dimensions in
the range between about 1.0 .mu.m and about 500 .mu.m, preferably
between about 25 .mu.m and about 250 .mu.m and most preferably
between about 50 .mu.m and about 150 .mu.m. One of ordinary skill
in the art will be able to determine an appropriate volume and
length of the flow channel. The ranges are intended to include the
above-recited values as upper or lower limits The flow channel can
have any selected shape or arrangement, examples of which include a
linear or non-linear configuration and a U-shaped
configuration.
The term "particle" refers to a discrete unit of matter, including,
but not limited to cells.
The term "sensor" as used herein refers to a device for measuring a
characteristic of an object, such as a particle.
The term "bubble valve" as used herein refers to a device that
generates pressure pulses to control flow through a channel.
The term "carrier fluid" as used herein refers to a sheath of
compatible liquid surrounding a particle for carrying one or more
particles through a duct or channel.
FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a particle sorting system 10
according to the teachings of the present invention. According to
one application of the present invention, the particle sorting
system 10 comprises a closed channel system of capillary size for
sorting particles. The channel system comprises a first supply duct
12 for introducing a stream of particles 18 and a second supply
duct 14 for supplying a carrier liquid. The first supply duct 12
forms a nozzle 12a, and a stream of particles is introduced into
the flow of the carrier liquid. The first supply duct 12 and the
second supply duct 14 are in fluid communication with a measurement
duct 16 for conveying the particles suspended in the carrier
liquid. The measurement duct branches into a first branch channel
22a and a second branch channel 22b at a branch point 21. A
measurement region 20 is defined in the measurement duct 16 and is
associated with a detector 19 to sense a predetermined
characteristic of the particles passing through the measurement
region 20. Two opposed bubble valves 100a and 100b are positioned
relative to the measurement duct and disposed in fluid
communication therewith. The valves are spaced opposite each other,
although those of ordinary skill will realize that other
configurations can also be used. The bubble valves 100a and 100b
communicate with the measurement duct 16 through a pair of opposed
side passages 24a and 24b, respectively. Liquid is allowed to
partly fill these side passages 24a and 24b to form a meniscus 25
therein. The meniscus defines an interface between the carrier
liquid and another fluid, such as a gas in the reservoir of the
associated bubble valve 100. An actuator 26 is also provided for
actuating either bubble valve, which momentarily causes a flow
disturbance in the duct to deflect the flow therein when activated
by the actuator 26. As illustrated, the actuator is coupled to the
bubble valve 100b. The second bubble valve 100a serves as a buffer
for absorbing the pressure pulse created by the first bubble valve
100b.
The first side passage 24b is hydraulically connected to a
compression chamber 70b in the first bubble valve 100b, so that if
the pressure in this chamber is increased, the flow in the
measurement duct near the side passage is displaced inwards,
substantially perpendicular to the normal flow in the duct. The
second side passage 24a, positioned opposite of the first side
passage 24b is hydraulically connected to a buffer chamber 70a in
the second bubble valve 100a for absorbing pressure transients.
This first side passage 24b co-operates with the second side
passage 24a to direct the before mentioned liquid displacement
caused by pressurizing the compression chamber 70b, so that the
displacement has a component perpendicular to the normal flow of
the particles through the measurement duct.
Upon pressurizing the compression chamber 70b an amount of liquid
is transiently discharged from the first side passage 24b. The
resiliency of the second side passage 24a results upon a
pressurized discharge, in a transient flow of the liquid in the
duct into the second side passage 24a. The co-operation of the two
side passages and the fluidic structures they interconnect causes
the flow through the measurement duct 16 to be transiently moved
sideways back and forth upon pressurizing and depressurising of the
compression chamber 70b induced by the external actuator 26 in
response to the signal raised by the detection means 19. This
transient liquid displacement, having a component perpendicular to
the normal flow in the duct, can be applied in deflecting particles
having predetermined characteristics to separate them from the
remaining particles in the mixture.
As shown, the measurement duct 16 branches at the branch point 21
into two branches 22a, 22b and the flow rates in these branches are
adjusted so that the particles normally stream through the second
of the two branches 22b. The angle between the branches 22a, 22b is
between 0 and 180 degrees, and preferably between 10 and 45
degrees. However, the angle can even be 0 degrees, which
corresponds to two parallel ducts with a straight separation wall
between them.
The particles to be sorted are preferably supplied to a measurement
position in a central fluid current, which is surrounded by a
particle free liquid sheath. The process of confining a particle
stream is known, and often referred to as a `sheath flow`
configuration. Normally, confinement is achieved by injecting a
stream of suspended particles through a narrow outlet nozzle into a
particle free carrier liquid flowing in the duct 16. By adjusting
the ratio of flow rates of the suspension and carrier liquid, the
radial confinement in the duct as well as the inter particle
distance can be adjusted. A relatively large flow rate of the
carrier liquid results in a more confined particle stream having a
large distance between the particles.
In a suspension introduced by the first supply duct 12, two types
of particles can be distinguished, normal particles 18a and
particles of interest 18b. Upon sensing the predetermined
characteristic in a particle 18b in the measurement region 20, the
detector 19 raises a signal. The external actuator 26 activates the
first actuator bubble valve 100b, when signaled by the detector 19
in response to sensing the predetermined characteristic, to create
a flow disturbance in the measurement duct 16 between the side
passages 24a, 24b. The flow disturbance deflects the particle 18b
having the predetermined characteristic so that it flows down the
first branch duct 22a rather than the second branch duct 22b. The
detector communicates with the actuator 26, so that when the
detector 19 senses a predetermined characteristic in a particle,
the actuator activates the first bubble valve 100b to cause
pressure variations in the reservoir 70b of the first bubble valve.
The activation of the first bubble valves deflects the meniscus 25b
in the first bubble valve 100b and causes a transient pressure
variation in the first side passage 24b. The second side passage
24a and the second bubble valve 100a absorb the transient pressure
variations in the measurement duct 16 induced via the actuator 26.
Basically, the reservoir 70a of the second bubble valve 100a is a
buffer chamber having a resilient wall or containing a compressible
fluid, such as a gas. The resilient properties allow the flow of
liquid from the measurement duct into the second side passage 24a,
allowing the pressure pulse to be absorbed and preventing
disturbance to the flow of the non-selected particles in the stream
of particles.
At the measurement region 20, individual particles are inspected,
using a suitable sensor 19, for a particular characteristic, such
as size, form, fluorescent intensity, as well as other
characteristics obvious to one of ordinary skill. Examples of
applicable sensor, known in the art, are various types of optical
detection systems such as microscopes, machine vision systems and
electronic means for measuring electronic properties of the
particles. Particularly well known systems in the field are systems
for measuring the fluorescent intensity of particles. These systems
comprise a light source having a suitable wavelength for inducing
fluorescence and a detection system for measuring the intensity of
the induced fluorescent light. This approach is often used in
combination with particles that are labelled with a fluorescent
marker, i.e. an attached molecule that upon illuminating with light
of a particular first wavelength produces light at another
particular second wavelength (fluorescence). If this second
wavelength light is detected, the characteristic is sensed and a
signal is raised.
Other examples include the measurement of light scattered by
particles flowing through the measurement region. Interpreting the
scattering yield information on the size and form of particles,
which can be adopted to raise a signal when a predetermined
characteristic is detected.
The actuator 26 for pressurizing the compression chamber of the
first bubble valve can comprise an external actuator that responds
to a signal from the sensor that a particle has a selected
predetermined characteristic. There are two classes of external
actuators that are suitable for increasing the pressure. The first
class directly provides a gas pressure to the liquid in the first
side passage 24b. For example, the actuator may comprise a source
of pressurized gas connected with a switching valve to the liquid
column in the side passage 24b. Activation of the switch connects
the passage to the source of pressurized gas, which deflects the
meniscus in the liquid. Upon deactivation, the switch connects the
passage 24b back to the normal operating pressure.
Alternatively, a displacement actuator may be used in combination
with a closed compression chamber having a movable wall. When the
displacement actuator displaces the wall of the compression chamber
inward, the pressure inside increases. If the movable wall is
displaced back to the original position, the pressure is reduced
back to the normal operating pressure. An example of a suitable
displacement actuator is an electromagnetic actuator, which causes
displacement of a plunger upon energizing a coil. Another example
is the use of piezoelectric material, for example in the form of a
cylinder or a stack of disks, which upon the application of a
voltage produces a linear displacement. Both types of actuators
engage the movable wall of the compression chamber 70 to cause
pressure variations therein.
FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate the switching operation of switch 40
in the particle sorting system 10 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the
detector 19 senses the predetermined characteristic in a particle
and generates a signal to activate the actuator 26. Upon activation
of the actuator, the pressure within the reservoir 70b of the first
bubble valve 100b is increased, deflecting the meniscus 25b and
causing a transient discharge of liquid from the first side passage
24b, as indicated by the arrow. The sudden pressure increase caused
at this point in the duct causes liquid to flow into the second
side passage 24a, because of the resilient properties of the
reservoir of the second bubble valve 100a. This movement of liquid
into the second side passage 24a is indicated with an arrow. As a
result, as can be seen in the figure, the flow through the
measurement duct 16 is deflected, causing the selected particle of
interest 18b located between the first side passage 24b and the
second side passage 24a to be shifted perpendicular to its flow
direction in the normal state. The flow resistances to the
measurement duct 16, the first branch 22a and the second branch 22b
is chosen so that the preferred direction of the flow to and from
the first side passage 24b and the second side passage 24a has an
appreciable component perpendicular to the normal flow through the
measurement duct 16. This goal can for instance be reached by the
first branch 22a and the second branch 22b so that their
resistances to flow is large in comparison with the flow
resistances of the first side passage 24b and the second side
passage 24a.
FIG. 3 shows the particle sorting system 10 during the relief of
the first bubble valve reservoir when the particle of interest 18b
has left the volume between the first side passage 24b and the
second side passage 24a. The actuator 26 is deactivated, causing
the pressure inside the reservoirs 70a, 70b to return to the normal
pressure. During this relief phase there is a negative pressure
difference between the two reservoirs 70a, 70b of the bubble
valves, causing a liquid flow through the first side passage 24b
and the second side passage 24a opposite to the liquid flow shown
in the previous figure and as indicated by the arrows.
FIG. 4 illustrates the particle sorting system 10 after completion
of the switching sequence. The pressures inside the reservoirs of
the bubble valves are equalized, allowing the flow through the
measurement duct 16 to normalize. As the particle of interest 18b
has been displaced radially, it will flow into the first branch
22a, while the other particle continue to flow into the second
branch 22b, thereby separating the particles based on the
predetermined characteristic.
This process of detecting and selective deflecting of particles may
be repeated many times per second for sorting particles at a high
rate. Adopting the fluid switching as described, switching
operations may be executed up to around several thousand switching
operations per second, yielding sorting rates in the order of
million sorted particles per hour.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the actuator
bubble valve 100b and the buffer bubble valve 100a may be placed in
different positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the actuator
bubble valve 100b and the first side passage 24b and/or the buffer
bubble valve 100a and the second side passage 24a may be place
upstream from the branch point 21. The components may be placed in
any suitable location, such that the flow resistance between the
actuator chamber 70b and the buffer chamber 70a is less than the
flow resistance between any of these latter components and other
pressure sources. More particularly, the actuator chamber 70b and
the buffer chamber 70a may be placed such that the flow resistance
between them is less than the flow resistance between a selected
particle and a subsequent particle in the stream of particles. The
positioning of the components in this manner thus prevents a
pressure wave generated by the above-described method of deflecting
a single selected particle, from travelling upstream or downstream
and affecting the flow of the remaining particles in the stream of
particles. A larger difference in flow resistances results in a
higher level of isolation of the fluidic switching operation with
associated pressure transients from the flow characteristics in the
rest of the system. Moreover, the in-situ dampening of generated
pressure pulses applied for sorting allows the implementation of
sorting networks comprising a plurality of switches 40, each of
which is hydraulically and pneumatically isolated from the
others.
According to another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the particle
sorting system of the present invention may use any suitable
pressure wave generator (in place of a bubble valve) in combination
one or more bubble valves serving as a buffer, such as valve 100b.
For example, the pressure wave generator 260 may comprise an
actuator such as a piezoelectric column or a stepper motor,
provided with a plunger that can act upon the flowing liquid,
either directly or via deflection of the channel system, to
selectively deflect particles when the actuator is activated by a
signal. Other suitable pressure wave generators include
electromagnetic actuators, thermopneumatic actuators and a heat
pulse generator for generating vapor bubbles in the flowing liquid
by applying heat pulses. The buffer bubble valve 100b is positioned
to absorb the pressure wave created by the pressure wave generator
260 to prevent flow disturbance in the other particles of the
particle stream. The spring constant of the buffer 100b may be
varied according to the particular requirements by varying the
volume of the buffer chamber 70b, the cross-sectional area of the
side passage 24b and/or the stiffness or the thickness of a
flexible membrane (reference 72 in FIG. 7) forming the buffer
chamber 70b.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a valve 100 suitable for
creating a pressure pulse to separate particles of interest from
other particles in a stream of particles and/or acting as a buffer
for absorbing a pressure pulse according to the teachings of the
present invention. As shown, the valve 100 is formed adjacent to a
side passage 24a or 24b formed in a substrate which leads to the
measurement duct 16. The side passage 24a includes a fluid
interface port 17 formed by an aperture in the side wall of the
passage. A sealed compression chamber 70 is positioned adjacent to
the side passage 24a and communicates with the side passage through
the fluid interface port. The illustrative chamber 70 is formed by
a seal 71 and a flexible membrane 72. The carrier fluid in the side
passage 24a forms a meniscus 25 at the interface between the side
passage and the chamber. The actuator 26 depresses the flexible
membrane to increase the pressure in the chamber, which deflects
the meniscus and causes a pressure pulse in the carrier fluid.
FIG. 8 shows a sorting module 50 having an appropriate supply duct
52 for providing a stream of particles to be sorted as well as a
first outlet duct 54 and a second outlet duct 56, either of which
can carry the particles sorted in the sorting module 50. The
sorting module 50 comprises a detector system 19 for sensing
particles entering the sorting module 50 via the supply duct 52 can
be operationally connected to a switch 40 for providing the
required switching capabilities to sort particles. The first branch
22b and the second branch 22a, FIG. 1, can be disposed in fluidic
connection with the outlet duct 54 and the second outlet duct
56.
FIG. 9 shows a particle sorting system 500 according to an
alternate embodiment of the invention, comprising a plurality of
sorting modules 50 that can be coupled together in any appropriate
configuration. For example, the modules 50 in this embodiment are
coupled in parallel. The outlet ducts 54 of the sorting modules 50
are coupled to a first combined outlet 58, the second outlet ducts
56 are coupled to a second combined outlet 60. The parallel
arrangement of sorting modules yields a system of combined sorting
module 50 having an overall sorting rate of N times the sorting
rate of an individual sorting module 50, where N is the number of
parallel connected sorting module 50.
FIG. 10 shows a particle sorting system 550 according to another
embodiment, comprising a first sorting module 50a in series with a
second sorting module 50b. The second sorting module 50b may be
equipped for sorting particles having a predetermined
characteristic the same or different than the predetermined
characteristic of the particles sorted by the first sorting module
50a. The particle stream enters the first sorting module 50a
through the supply duct 52 and may contain at least two types of
particles. A first type of particle is sorted in the first sorting
module 50a and exits through the first outlet duct 54a. The
remaining particles exit the first sorting module 50a through
second outlet duct 56a and are introduced into the second sorting
module 50b via the second supply duct 52b. From this stream of
particles, particles having the other predetermined characteristic
are sorted and exit through the second outlet duct 54b. Particles
that posses neither of the two predetermined characteristics exit
the second sorting module 50b via the second outlet duct 56b. Those
of ordinary skill will readily recognize that any suitable type of
sorting module 50 can be used, and can be coupled together in a
variety of ways, depending upon the desired results.
FIG. 11 shows a hierarchical architecture for high throughput-low
error sorting according to another embodiment of the present
invention. The illustrated embodiment is a two-stage particle
sorting system 800 for sorting a plurality of parallel particles
streams in a first stage, aggregating the outputs of the first
stage and then performing a secondary sorting process on the output
of the first stage. An input stream of particles in suspension 80
from a particle input chamber 88 is split among N single sorting
channels 81a-81n, each channel being capable of sorting a selected
number of particles per second. Each channel 81 includes a
detection region 84 for examining the particles and identifying
particles that have a predetermined characteristic, and a switching
region 82 for separating the particles having the predetermined
characteristic from the other particles in the stream, as described
above. The switching region 82 produces two output streams of
particles: a "selected" stream and a "rejected" stream in its
switching region 82 based on the measured particle characteristics
at the detection region 84. The "selected" streams from each
channel are aggregated in an aggregation region 86 into one stream
to be sorted again in a secondary sorting channel 810. As shown,
the secondary sorting channel 810 repeats the sorting process of
detecting and sorting based on a predetermined characteristic.
Given that each single channel sorting process produces some error
(y) rate (y is a probability less than one of a particle being
"selected" by mistake) of mistaken selections, the hierarchical
architecture produces an lower error rate of y.sup.2 for a 2-stage
hierarchy as drawn or y.sup.n for an n-stage hierarchy. For
example, if the single channel error rate is 1% the 2-stage error
rate is 0.01% or one part in 10.sup.4.
Alternatively, the architecture could have M primary sets of N
sorting channels per secondary channel. Given that the application
wants to capture particles that have a presence in the input at
rate z and single channel sorters have a maximum sorting rate x
particles per second. The system throughput is M*N*x in particles
per second. The number of particles aggregated in N channels per
second is N*x*z and so N*z must be less than 1 so that all
particles aggregated from N channels can be sorted by a single
secondary channel. To increase throughput above N=1/z one must add
parallel groups of N primary+1 secondary channels. Overall
throughput then comes from M*N*x with M secondary channels.
FIG. 12 show a parallel-serial particle sorting system 160
according to another embodiment of the invention. The
parallel-serial particle sorting system 160 includes a first
parallel sorting module 161 and a second parallel sorting module
162. The first sorting module 161 is applied in multiple marked
particles and particles having both markers are sorted out and
conveyed through the exit channel 165.
FIG. 13 shows another parallel-serial particle sorting system 170.
The first parallel sorting module 171 separates particles having a
first marker, collects the particles from the different channels
and conveys the particles having the first marker through the first
exit channel 175. All other particles are then fed into a second
parallel sorter 172 for sorting particles having a second marker.
The particles having the second marker are collected and conveyed
through a second exit channel 176. Particles having neither the
first marker nor the second marker are conveyed through a third
exit channel 177.
According to one embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 14a
and 14b, the particle sorting system may include sensors for
measuring velocity, location and/or size of particles. The
measurement of velocity, location and/or size may be made
simultaneously with classification of the particles for sorting or
at a different time. In parallel channel based systems, as shown in
FIG. 11, the different channels may have different flow
resistances, causing the velocity of the particles or cells in each
channel to be different. In systems where the detection region 84
is separated from the switching region 82 by a distance L, the
velocity of the particles in the channel 81 must be known in order
to set the switching time delay T (i.e., the time to delay switch
actuation relative to the moment of detection of a target
particle).
In most optical systems for detecting cells or particles, the
region in which the cell creates light on the photo detector in the
detection region will have a much greater size than the size of a
cell diameter. Therefore, when light is detected in the detection
region, the cell may be anywhere in the region, making it difficult
to pinpoint the exact location of the cell. To provide more
accurate detection, many pixels of an optical detector could be
packed across the detection region, but this would have a large
cost and require complex support electronics.
According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, an
optical mask 140 may be added to the detection region to provide
accurate velocity detection by depositing a "masking pattern"
directly on the sorting chip. The masking patterns can be deposited
so that an edge in the masking pattern is precisely located (to
<1 um precision with current technology) relative to the cell
sorting actuator region 82. A single optical detector catching
light from the cell in the detection region 84 will see light when
the cell is not masked. The duration of the light being turned off
by one of the connected opaque parts "bars" of the mask of known
length gives a measurement of velocity.
A mask pattern that has several bars 141 of size ranging from 10 um
to 30 um in 1 um steps results in only bars of size larger than the
cell minimizing the signal from the cell. Therefore, such a pattern
can also be used to measure the size of the cell independently of
its signal. Such a `gradient mask" also produces a pattern in the
optical detector that can be analyzed to measure velocity several
times for reducing the variance in the velocity estimate. The
pattern in the light induced by the mask 140 also allows the
detector to identify each edge in the mask 140. If the bars 141
were all the same, the light signal for each bar would be the same,
and one could only tell them apart by sequence. Therefore, a
gradient mask pattern will allow a single detector looking at a
broad region (several times the size of a cell) to measure the
velocity of the cell, measure the exact position inside the
detection region 84 with about 1 um precision relative to the
channel structures and the actuator location on chip and identify
the size of the cell to precision given by the gradient pattern.
The gradient mask 140 allows the detector to measure these
parameters independent of the magnification of the optical system
or the nature of the optical detector itself.
One skilled in the art will recognize that other devices for
measuring the size, position and or velocity of a particle in the
sorting system in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
Suitable devices are readily available and known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
According to another embodiment, shown in FIG. 15, the particle
sorting system comprises an array 8000 of non-identical sorting
channels. The use of a parallel array comprising a series of
non-identical sorter channels 810a-810n is more efficient in terms
of space, use of optical power and adaptation to optimal external
actuators. Since the velocity of particles can be accurately sensed
using a sensor as described above, the channels do not require a
fixed delay between the detection of a property and actuation of a
switch to deflect a particle having the detected property.
Therefore, certain parameters of the channel, such as the distance
L between a detector 84 and a switch 82 or the shape of the path
between the detector 84 and the switch 82 can be varied.
Using a single laser for each wavelength optical illumination
directed perpendicular to the chip, the laser is required to
illuminate an area defined by: (number of channels).times.((channel
width at detection region)+(inter channel spacing C)) (See FIG.
15). However, the active area where light can be absorbed to create
fluorescence is only the area of the channels: (number of
channels).times.(channel width), which leaves a fill factor of:
(channel width)/(channel width+C). The fill factor is preferably
close to 100% to avoid wasting available input light.
Therefore, minimizing the interchannel spacing in a parallel
sorting system is important to the optical detection region and
optical system efficiency. In the variable array design of the
present invention, shown in FIG. 16, the spacing of the channels in
the detection region 84 approaches the width of the channels, so
that light utilization approaches about 50%. The channel spacing in
the actuation region 82 may be larger, as shown in FIG. 16. The
location of actuators 26 along the channel may also be varied to
make a larger available radius for external driver actuators.
The variable array 8000 may also include meanders in selected
channels for balancing flow resistances of all the channels so that
given a constant pressure drop across all the channels the
velocities of particles are nearly matched. These can be added
either upstream or downstream of the illustrated system, i.e., on
in the region between the detectors and actuators. As the lengths
Li between each channel's detection region 821 and its actuator 26i
is known from the design, the measurement of the particle velocity
at the same time as the determination regarding which particles to
keep provides an improved cell sorting system.
FIG. 17 illustrates a particle sorting system 1700 according to yet
another embodiment of the invention. The particle sorting system
1700 includes a plurality of sorting modules 1701 operating in
parallel. The system 1700 includes an input region 1710 for
introducing samples to each sorting module and a detection region
1720 for measuring a predetermined characteristic of particles each
sorting channel 1702 in the detection region. The system also
includes a switch region 1730, including an actuator in each
sorting module for separating particles having a predetermined
characteristic from particles that do not have the predetermined
characteristic. As shown, in the embodiment of FIG. 17, the sorting
channels 1702 distance between each sorting channel in the
detection region 1720 is less than the inter-channel distance in
the switch region 1730. The close spacing in the detection region
enables cost saving when a laser is used to detect the particles,
while the more distant separation in the switch region 1730
accommodates various sized actuators.
The particle sorting system 1700 may also include a secondary
sorting module 1740 for repeating the sorting process of detecting
and sorting based on a predetermined characteristic to increase the
accuracy of the sorting process. According to one embodiment, the
system may include an enrichment region 1750 between the array of
primary sorting modules 1701 and the secondary sorting module 1740
for transitioning the particles from the primary sorting process to
the secondary sorting process. According to an illustrative
embodiment, the enrichment region 1750 transitions the particles by
removing excess carrier fluid from the particles before passing the
particles to the secondary sorting module 1740. The enrichment
region 1750 may also include a hydration device for adding
secondary sheet fluid to the particles after enrichment. The
enrichment region 1750 may comprise a membrane inserted into outlet
channel 1703, an enrichment channel intersecting the outlet channel
1703 and a membrane separating the outlet channel from the
enrichment channel. Excess carrier fluid is removed from the stream
of selected particles in the outlet channel 1703 through the
membrane and into the enrichment channel before passing the
selected particles into the secondary sorting module 1740.
A suitable system for forming the enrichment region is described in
Ser. No. 10/329,018, filed on even date herewith, the contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
According to the illustrative embodiment, the removed carrier fluid
may be recycled and fed back into the inlet of the primary
channels. A recycling channel 1704 or other device may connect the
enrichment region 1750 to the primary channel 1710 to allow re-use
of the carrier fluid for subsequent sorting process. Alternatively,
the carrier fluid may be removed from rejected particles and
introduced into the primary channel inlets 1710 prior to discarding
the rejected particles.
The present invention has been described relative to an
illustrative embodiment. Since certain changes may be made in the
above constructions without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover
all generic and specific features of the invention described
herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as
a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
* * * * *